I am new to kiteboarding at age 50 and was wondering about the older gents that were kiteboarding. I have always been very fit and athletic, but of course, my extended family has thrown in the idle comment or two about "aren't you a little old for something this extreme?". My answer has been heck no, and I have no interest in just sitting around. However, I am cognizant that I have limitations and have to be aware of things like knees, conditions beyond my abilities, adopting a more conservative riding style, etc. I would be interested to hear from some of the more seasoned guys and gals. But I definitely have been stricken with the kiteboarding fever!

in terms of limits, at 50 you can do wakestyle, airstyle strapless, megaloops, whatever you want. Start off wearing straps, boots can let you catch an edge. You don't have to be that fit to kiteboard, it's like skateboarding in that way, except skateboarding is a lot harder on the body because concrete hurts more when you crash, in kiteboarding you just splash in the water. Kiteboarding is a lot less extreme than wakeboarding, in wakeboarding you are going faster and slam harder. Wakeboading is also a lot harder on the knees.

Airstyle is especially gentle on the body. It looks extreme to hit a big air and do a board off but really all you do is go up and land gentle as a feather, if you bomb you just throw the board behind you and splash.

as a beginner you will want to limit the top speed you go out in. If it is nuking, stay safe, don't ride. But that has nothing to do with being 50 it's all about being a beginner. Strong wind is what is dangerous to a newbie (30+ knots) not any particular style and not any particular age.

I'm 48 and I prefer strapless to avoid ACL ruptures.I also do not jump....I've been told I'm missing the best part but ...uh hu...not worth it...I also ride a mako that smooths out the nasty chop.Some of our guys are in their late 60s and they are GOOD.Great advice by edt. I tend to stay away from 30+ winds...sometimes is ok...

NYKiter wrote:I'm 48 and I prefer strapless to avoid ACL ruptures.I also do not jump....I've been told I'm missing the best part but ...uh hu...not worth it...I also ride a mako that smooths out the nasty chop.Some of our guys are in their late 60s and they are GOOD.Great advice by edt. I tend to stay away from 30+ winds...sometimes is ok...

Good luck!!

Yeah, you're missing the best part Jumps don't punish me at all. I've been smacked harder and more painfully just falling over sideways off my strapless board!